With mercury level hovering near 40 degree Celsius, Odisha government today decided to start morning classes in elementary and secondary schools from March 16 and April 1 respectively, official sources said.
The decision in this regard was taken at a high level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The government order on conducting morning schools would be applicable for both government, private and English Medium Schools in the state, they said.
Similarly, the labour department was asked to issue notification for scheduling working hour for labourers. The working hour for daily labourers would be 7 am till 11 am.
Patnaik reviewed the state's preparedness to face the possible heat wave condition in coming days and directed all district collectors to take steps to meet the water and electricity demands of the people.
"All district collectors have been asked for adequate drinking water supply in their respective areas through tankers. They have also been asked to ensure repair of tube wells to avoid any water-scarcity report," said Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) P K Mohapatra.
The government would make drinking water facilities in weekly markets, bus stand and other public places.
Besides asking the collectors to create awareness on heat wave, Mohapatra said adding that instructions have been given not to disconnect electricity to water supply projects due to non-payment of bills.
